Bhim Tal In Uttaranchal

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Perched at an altitude of 1370 mts above sea level, Bhimtal is located just 22 kms away from Nainital. One of the biggest lakes in the Nainital district, the lake is popular for its stunning mountain scenery, picturesque vistas and spellbinding ambience. Christened after the legendary Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharata, Bhimtal is a magnificent lake centered amidst the Kumaon hills. The emerald green water of the lake imitates the luxuriant greenery around and produces a spellbinding ambience. Nestled in an exquisite pristine valley, this gem of a lake is a domicile to an array of aquatic life. Apart from housing assorted species of domestic birds, Bhimtal is a stopover destination for migratory birds too.

The beauty of Bhimtal is enhanced by a small island located in the heart of the lake, which is very popular amongst vacationers. The island is at a distance of about 90 mts from the shore of the lake. A perpetual lake, it puts forward boating prospect to the visitors. Guests enjoy boating in the lake and visit this island by boats only. Earlier a restaurant was sited on the island and guests coming to Bhimtal used to throng the place. They left behind lots of wastes which polluted the lake and this had started affecting the aquatic life. Due to the callous behavior of the tourists regarding the cleanliness of the lake, Nainital Lake Development Authority decided to build up an aquarium on the island. The restaurant has been transformed into an aquarium to check the pollution levels of the lake and to maintain the sanitation of the lake. The aquarium houses an array of exotic fishes imported from countries like South Africa, Mexico and China. These beautiful fishes are hugely admired by the visitors.

Bhimtal has a rich history to boast about. An ancient temple, Bhimeshwara Mahadev temple is located on the shore of the lake. The temple venerated to Lord Shiva was originally built by Bhima, the famous mythological character during the expatriate phase of the pandavas. However, the temple was refurbished by King Baz Bahadur of Chand Dynasty in the 17th century. A small mount named 'Garg Parvat' is located near the temple. River Gargi emerges from this hill and thus the name.

One more tourist attraction in Bhimtal is the 'hill of Karkotaka' which is popular for a 'Nag temple'. The place is venerated to 'Nag Karkota Maharaj' and is thronged by the followers to seek his blessing.

An exquisite wildlife sanctuary- 'Vankhandi Ashram' is located on a small hill at a distance of about 5 kms from Bhimtal. The hill is known as Hidimba Parvat. According to the epic Mahabharata, Bhima stayed at this place during his exile and married a demoness Hidimba and even had a son with her named Ghatokcha.

During the summer season, the weather of Bhimtal is salubrious and enjoyable and one can easily saunter around during the day time. The nights are pleasing too. But during winters, the climatic conditions are harsh and the temperatures extremely low. It becomes very cold especially at night.

Bhimtal is located just 16 kms away from Nainital and 300 kms from Delhi. Nearest railhead is at Kathgodam which is about 20 kms away and nearest airport is Pantnagar airport. There are several accommodation options in Bhimtal where one can stay and enjoy this serene and beautiful place. Bhimtal proffers abundant scope to tourists for water sports with boating and paddling as the prominent ones.

Bhimtal is a wonderful place to unwind and relax on the banks of a quaint lake.